1. education
2. school

CABINET
24 March 2015
Title: Review of School Places and Capital Investment - Update March 2015
Report of the Cabinet Member for Education and Schools
Open Report
For Decision
Wards Affected: All Wards
Key Decision: Yes
Report Author: Mike Freeman, Group Manager
School Estate and Admissions
Contact Details:
Tel: 020 8227 3492
E-mail:
[email protected]
Accountable Divisional Director: Jane Hargreaves, Divisional Director Education, Youth
and Childcare.
Accountable Director: Helen Jenner, Corporate Director Children’s Services
Summary
This report sets out the latest information regarding forecast demand for education places
across the Borough’s schools, together with a Future Planning Programme to meet Basic
Need (including SEN and 2 year old places) 2014 to 2020.
The report provides Cabinet with an update on some specific projects which have
previously been approved but also, in particular, seeks approval to make variations to
budget provision and set aside funding for future use.
Also detailed is information regarding funding available to support a programme of
investment which is required to 2017 based on the forecast demand for pupil places,
together with a schedule of planned projects (Appendix A) for 2014 to 2020.
Recommendation(s)
The Cabinet is recommended to:
(i)
Approve the Future Planning Programme to meet Basic Need (including SEN
places) 2014 to 2020 as set out in section 2 of the report and Appendix A;
(ii)
Approve the reallocation within the Capital Programme of £11.2m Targeted Basic
Need Programme funding to support expansion projects at All Saints, Jo
Richardson and Robert Clack secondary schools, as set out in section 3 of the
report; and adjust the Capital Programme to reallocate the Basic Need grant
previously allocated to the All Saints and Jo Richardson projects towards the Robert
Clack project;
(iii)
Approve the inclusion in the Capital Programme of the DfE grant allocations for
2015/16 as detailed in section 4 of the report;
(iv)
Approve an additional allocation of Basic Need funding of £5.7m for the purchase of
land associated with the expansion of Robert Clack School and other increased
project costs for inclusion in the Capital Programme for 2016/17, as set out in
section 5 of the report;
(v)
Agree the inclusion of £850,000 in the Capital Programme to support the provision
of nursery places for two year olds in accordance with the DfE approval, as detailed
in section 6 of the report;
(vi)
Note the anticipated funding via the DfE Priority Schools Building Programme
towards the projects at Eastbury Community School and Eastbrook Comprehensive
School as set out in section 7 of the report, and authorise the Chief Finance Officer
to make the appropriate provision within the Capital Programme once confirmation
of the allocation is received from the DfE;
(vii)
Agree the principle of a loan to Partnership Learning Trust, which runs Riverside
School, to support the building of the school in the timescales needed by the
Council to meet demand, and to authorise the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation
with the Cabinet Member for Finance, the Cabinet Member and Education and
Schools and the Corporate Director of Children’s Services, to agree the final terms
of a loan, as referred to in section 8 of the report;
(viii)
Note the transfer of the management of the community facilities at Castle Green to
Jo Richardson Community School in accordance with Minute 124 (vi) (30 June
2014);
(ix)
Agree, in principle, to the relocation of the Adult College from the Fanshawe site to
the site adjacent to Sydney Russell School in Parsloes Avenue and confirm that the
shared facilities at Fanshawe should be developed for primary school facilities and
the Community Music Service, with the school facility to be operated by Sydney
Russell School, as referred to in section 10 of the report;
(x)
Approve the reprofiling of projects within the Capital Programme to reflect
appropriate adjustments to schemes, as detailed in section 11 of the report;
(xi)
Agree the procurement principles as set out in section 16.2 of the report and
authorise the Corporate Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the
Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, the Chief Finance Officer and the
Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to award the respective project contracts;
and
(xii)
Indicate whether Cabinet wishes to be further informed or consulted on the progress
of the various procurement processes and award of the contracts for the projects.
Reason(s)
The decision will assist the Council in fulfilling its statutory obligations to provide a school
place for every child and support the intention of the Council’s Vision and Priorities,
including encouraging civic pride, enabling social responsibility and growing the Borough.
It is part of the mitigation of Corporate Risk 31 – Inability to Provide School Places.
1.
Introduction and Background
1.1
It has been the practice since 2010 to report regularly to Cabinet on the issue of the
forecast for pupil numbers. These reports have also covered a programme of
proposed works necessary to ensure that children in the Borough have the
opportunity to attend school. The last report presented to Cabinet on this subject
was on 30 June 2014, Minute 124 refers.
1.2
This report provides an update and sets out the most up to date information on the
projected demand for education places to 2020. Further, the report covers a number
of initiatives which build on existing arrangements to develop the use of
accommodation.
1.3
The third aspect of the report is to provide an updated Programme of School
Development through to 2020 to support the forecast pupil demand.
2.
Update on Pupil Numbers and Capacity
2.1
Cabinet has received regular reports about the continuing demand for school places
and the need to develop additional provision. It is worth noting that providing
sufficient school places is a national issue and in particular regional to London due
to rising population. For Barking and Dagenham it has been a major priority for
investment since 2007.
2.2
It is important that the demand for places are referenced to the growth of the
Borough. Based on the statistics released by the GLA, the position on overall
population forecast is as follows:
2.3.

Borough Population - Current 199,990 (2014) and by 2020 the population
forecast will be 225,381 and increase of 23,371 or 12.7%.

Young Population (0-19 years) - Current 62,740 (2014) and by 2020 the
population forecast for this group will be 69,740 an increase of 7,000 or 11.2%

Largest Population Growth (10-14 years) - Projected growth in a 5 year period
to 2020 is 3,964 pupils or 30.5%.
The most recent set of pupil forecast figures have been reviewed over the last 3-4
months and are based on GLA data linked to birth data and some input from local
level gained through the experience of the Children’s Services Department. The
forecasts indicate:


the secondary school population across the Borough will increase from its
present levels of 14,900 to 21,189 by the school year starting September
2020.
the primary School population across the Borough will increase from its
present levels of 22,549 to 29,550.
[ Note: these figures allow for the growth of the borough and projected increases to
population allowing for published house building; there may be fluctuations owing to other
demographic changes.]
Secondary Provision
2.4.
In order to address the shortfall of places efficiently Children’s Services have looked
at solutions based on an increase in secondary school provision at year 7 [Yr7]
going forward. Rather than looking at specific areas of the Borough, planning has
been across the Borough because of the demand for places and the need to
expand provision across the whole sphere of existing secondary schools.
2.5.
In looking specifically at how increases will enter schools at secondary age YR7 the
following is relevant:
Year
YR7
Capacity
2014
YR7
Number
Forecast
Increase
2014-15
2610
2754[actual
Oct 14 2385]
2910
3041
3207
3562
3615
3585
144
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
156
131
166
355
53
-30
Within the plan to address this increase in demand are the following expansion
projects:
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2.6.
Sydney Russell - +60 places previously expanded.
All Saints - +60 places effective September 2014.
Jo Richardson - +60 places effective September 2015.
Robert Clack - +60 places effective September 2015.
Riverside - +120 places effective September 2016.
Robert Clack - +120 places effective September 2016.
United Learning Free School at Goresbrook - +120 places effective
September 2017.
Eastbrook - +60 places effective September 2017.
Riverside - +60 places effective September 2017.
New School Barking Gascoigne - +240 places effective September 2017.
Dagenham Park - +30 places effective September 2017.
New School Barking Gascoigne - +60 places effective September 2018.
New School East Dagenham - +120 places effective September 2018.
The Warren - +60 places effective September 2018.
New School East Dagenham - +120 places effective September 2019.
New School East Dagenham - +60 places effective September 2020.
In order to provide for demand of 38 classes of YR7 pupils in the years up to 2020
the plan has been updated to provide 1,410 YR7 places by expanding existing sites
or creating new secondary schools. The current plan creates a small surplus
necessary if we are to manage parent preference. Further, any review of demand
also takes into account other opportunities such as vacant places in neighbouring
boroughs.
2.7
Whilst there are currently opportunities for parents to secure out borough places,
mainly Havering and Redbridge, this is likely to reduce as our near neighbours are
also experiencing higher demand for school places in their primary schools which
ultimately will lead to increased demand for secondary places, from within their own
boundary.
2.8.
This expansion programme will mean that by 2020 with the exception of two
schools, all the Borough’s secondary schools will have expanded. The exceptions
are Barking Abbey where the Governors have declined the invitation to have a
major expansion at this stage but are taking an additional 9 pupils per year group,
and at Eastbury Community School where the proposal is to create an all through
school and the site is very tight in terms of area
Primary Provision
2.9.
As previously indicated the primary population growth to 2020 is expected to
increase by 7,000 pupils based on current housing development plans, but does not
include any element of future planned expansion beyond current published figures.
This has been analysed further by reception place demand as follows:
Year
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
2.10
Yr R Number
Forecast
3,958
3,993
4,126
4,225
4,325
4,382
4,403
Increase
358
36
133
98
101
56
22
This extra demand of at least 804 places is equivalent to 26/27 forms of entry at
YrR (Reception), it is planned to meet this need through the following projects:

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United Learning Free School at Goresbrook – 630 primary places (3fe)
Sydney Russell at Fanshawe - 630 primary places (3fe)
Eastbury Secondary Primary provision – 420 primary places (2fe)
Eastbrook Secondary Primary Provision - 630 primary places (3fe)
Robert Clack Primary Provision at Lymington - 630 primary places (3fe)
Gascoigne Primary – Shaftesburys - 630 primary places (3fe) facility net
increase 420 places
Thames Road – City Farm Primary - 630 primary places (3fe)
Barking Riverside Free School Primary Provision - 630 primary places (3fe)
New Primary Free School – Dagenham - 420 primary places (2fe)
New Primary School – Barking Retail - 630 primary places (3fe)
New Primary School Gascoigne Estate Renewal [3rd primary] - 630 primary
places (3fe)
2.11
Experience has proven that we need to provide above the minimum level forecast to
manage the high number of in year admissions and to give parents the opportunity
to express a preference. Our aim is to meet the DfE minimum recommended 3%
spare capacity. These forecast are kept under review on an annual basis to
maximise investment opportunities when they arise.
3.
Progress and Changes to Targeted Basic Need Programme (TBNP)
3.1
Cabinet received a report at the meeting on 18 December 2013 regarding the
success of securing funding under the DfE TBNP of £11.2m to support a project at
Robert Clack (Minute 72 refers). In addition a sum of £9.3 million has been secured
under the same programme and the DfE have agreed that this fund can be used to
help with the expansion of the Sydney Russell School and to extend the age range.
This will mean that the School will become a school for 3 to 19 year olds catering for
630 primary pupils plus nursery, and 1800 Yr7 to Yr11 pupils plus sixth form,
Cabinet 30 June 2014 minute 124 refers.
3.2
It was reported at the June 2014 Cabinet that two of the requirements of the TBNP
were that the funding needs to be spent by September 2015, and we need to
demonstrate additional pupils will be admitted to the schools by that date. In order
to avoid funding being reclaimed by the DfE for the project at Robert Clack, which
has been on hold whilst options for development were considered by Cabinet, an
approach has been made to the EFA/DfE to change schemes to protect the funding.
3.3
With the agreement of the DfE ministerial approval has been given for the following
schemes to replace the proposed £11.2m scheme at Robert Clack to develop 900
secondary school places:
All Saints
Jo Richardson
Robert Clack
300 places
300 places
300 places
£ 3,744,016
£ 3,744,016
£ 3,744,016
3.4
This will mean that the funding will be protected and if we use the TBNP funding for
these projects then the original basic need funding for the schemes at All Saints and
JRCS can be recycled to the future funding of the scheme at Robert Clack. This is
set out in the budget changes section of the report at section 9.
4.
Department of Education Grant Allocations 2015
4.1
It has been the practice for the Secretary of State to publish details about grant
allocations for the coming financial year usually at the end of the calendar year.
This was a little later this year as the announcement was not until the second week
of February 2015.
4.2
New advice has been received from the Department of Education about funding
being made available to support capital schemes in 2015/16. These include the
following sums:
Basic Need Grant for School Places
2015/16
£ 2,414,236
2016/17
£ 2,534,947
2017/18
£ 17,865,375
Devolved Formula Capital
Local Authority
Voluntary Aided
£
£
606,235
95,323
Maintenance/Modernisation 2015/16
Local Authority
£ 4,239,619
Voluntary Aided
£ 641,301
4.3
These allocations are explored and explained in the following paragraphs.
Basic Need Grant for School Places:
In the coming financial year 2015/16 the allocation for Basic Need provision to
provide for new school places has been set by the DfE at £2,414,236 with
£2,534,947 in the following year 2016/17. The planned allocation for 2017/18 is a
little better at £17,865,375. On top of this there is funding under Free School
provision to support the ULT Free School at Goresbrook and the Secondary and
Special School at Barking Riverside, with additional provision for the Primary
provision at Riverside to be confirmed shortly, plus the funding of £20.5m under the
Targeted Basic Need Programme. However, the funding for 2015 to 2017 is £4.9m
(2015/16 £2.4m and 2016/17 £2.5m) and this is significantly below the level of
funding required to maintain the Council’s building programme, particularly as the
demand at secondary level will grow. The allocation of £17,865,375 for the
following year will help to put things back on track together with good management
of the existing allocations as outlined in the report.
The DfE have indicated that they are planning to work on a three year basis for
Basic Need allocations and these figures should be included in the Council’s Capital
Programme as funding due to be received.
Devolved Formula Capital 2015/16
This is a fund of money from the Government which has been allocated now for a
number of years (2006/7) and is designed to be passed to all schools in the
Borough – academy and free schools receive a separate allocation direct through
their own funding allocation by the DfE.
The funds indicated above are usually pass ported directly through the Schools
Finance Team under the direction of the Chief Finance Officer to the Borough’s
schools, and the funds for Voluntary Aided Schools are advised directly by the DfE
to the schools concerned. This sum of £606,235 would need to be shown in the
Council’s Capital Programme.
Maintenance/Modernisation 2015/16:
There are two aspects to this fund. The sum of £641,301 is known as LCVAP
(Locally Controlled Voluntary Aided Programme) and this sum is a programme
developed with the Diocese of Brentwood and the Diocese of Chelmsford and the
voluntary aided schools in the Borough based on agreed priorities. The programme
is then advised to the DfE who reimburse schools in the programme once accounts
are presented.
In terms of the funding for the Borough maintained schools, the sum of £4,239,619
needs to be included in the capital programme. This sum will be the subject of the
Capital Appraisal Process and will comply with the provisions of the Strategy for
Ensuring Sufficient School Places and School Modernisation. The programme of
works will be derived from technical advice and the content of the School Estate
Asset Management Plan Database and the recently commissioned DfE school
condition surveys, and will be approved by the Corporate Director of Children’s
Services and the Divisional Director of Education.
5.
Expanding and Developing Robert Clack School.
5.1
Cabinet approval was given, (Min No 72; 18 December 2013 refers) for Children’s
Services Review of School Places Strategy. Amongst the projects presented were
the works at Robert Clack Comprehensive to provide new facilities which included a
new 630 place primary school and 6FE secondary school to be built upon land
gained from a Section 106 Agreement for housing development on Lymington
Fields and the redundant warehousing site on the Eldonwall industrial estate being
purchased from the GLA. Protracted negotiations for the acquisition of land and
delays to the developers programme for housing on the adjoining Lymington Fields
have significantly reduced the available timeframe for building the new school
facilities.
5.2
In the light of the revised programme it will be necessary to increase the budget by
£5,699,968 after taking into consideration changes made to account for the
redirection of funding through the Targeted Basic Need Programme. This additional
funding is necessary to meet increased costs associated with land purchase and
the delay whilst alternative arrangements about developing the school were
considered by Cabinet. The overall budget for the two aspects of this project would
amount to £32m.
6.
Conversion of Early Years Revenue to Capital
6.1
Schools Forum received a report in June 2014 regarding Dedicated Schools Grant ,
and approved a request for the capitalisation of £850,000 of 2 year old revenue
funding this request was to support the creation of suitable places for 2 year olds in
the Borough. Such approval was subject to the Secretary of State authorising the
request. By letter of July 2014 this consent has been granted.
6.2
Cabinet are asked to approve the changes and for the sum of £850,000 to be
included in the capital programme. This fund will support additional 2 year old
places being developed.
6.3
Capacity is fully utilised across the sector at present, and there is currently no spare
capacity in the market to deliver further 2 year old places. Developments currently
underway and completed with existing capital funding provided spaces for eligible
children, but there will still be a gap of over 400 places when current developments
have been completed. The proposal is to spend the funding in three key areas in
the borough and possibly in school nurseries.
6.4
There is currently discussion ongoing with Kingsley Hall about the potential to
provide spaces for 100 2 year olds. It is estimated that remodelling the building
identified will cost approximately £450,000.
6.5
In addition, a possibility to extend three existing nurseries in children’s centres has
arisen. They are all in areas of need (Abbey, Eastbury and John Perry Children’s
Centre nurseries) and will be able to accommodate approximately 150 additional 2
year olds. It is estimated that the capital work required will cost in the region of
£200,000.
6.6
Any remaining capital funding will be allocated to schools with spare capacity to
deliver places for 2 year olds. However, the number of schools able to deliver
places continues to be limited as most are operating at full capacity. However, all
schools have been consulted and a few have expressed an interest in providing a
number of places for eligible 2 year olds within their existing school nurseries.
Additional sessional places will be developed this way and funding would be used to
support schools in making minor alterations to premises and ensure that suitable
resources are available for 2 year olds.
6.7
We are continuing to develop provision with childminders and are actively
encouraging parents to take up their 2 year old offer with childminders. Capital
funding will be allocated so that childminder places will fill the remaining gap to
enable us to provide places for all eligible 2 year olds. Early Years and Childcare
are actively looking at possible further sites for the development of childcare.
7.
Priority Schools Building Programme
7.1
Two projects, at Eastbury to replace demountable accommodation and develop
primary facilities, and at Eastbrook to rebuild, enlarge to 12 forms of entry and
provide primary facilities were approved as part of the DfE programme announced
in 2011.
7.2

Advice has now been received that funding will be paid to the Council for
Eastbury Community School condition money to improve the existing building
including making modifications, the exact amount to be determined but
something up to £3m and to be procured through the existing PFI contractor.

In discussion with the Education Funding Agency the school have agreed to
increase the internal school area for the new secondary building to improve
circulation space and increase access opportunities for young people
attending the school and for community users. In order to assist in a similar
development for the new primary facility the LA will need to fund 70 square
metres of extra space at a cost of £137,549 plus VAT.
There is also going to be some costs which relate to highway improvements and
transport links which the LA may have to fund arising from expanded provision on
the Eastbrook site, further discussion with the project delivery team appointed by
the EFA will be necessary and a subsequent report will come to Cabinet to inform.
8.
Riverside Free School
8.1
Cabinet have previously approved the Council to act in procuring the Riverside
complex comprising a secondary, special and primary school facilities. This budget
is to be included in the Council’s capital programme. In addition the Education
Funding Agency has indicated they will provide funds to support fixtures, fittings and
equipment to a value of £2,027,000. This extra sum will be included in the capital
programme.
8.2
At the time of the preparation of this report there is an ongoing dialogue with the
school, designers and build contractors regarding cost and there is funding gap
which all parties are endeavouring to close. Representation has been made to the
EFA for some additional support but also the School are being approached to
determine whether there are parts of the school which could be deferred, failing
which the Council may be asked to provide a possible loan to Partnership Learning
to support building facilities for Riverside school. Such loan would be subject to
appropriate approvals and the Chief Finance Officer and Corporate Director of
Children’s Services approving terms.
9.
Castle Green - Future Management by Jo Richardson Community School
9.1
The report to Cabinet in June 2014 included a recommendation to allow the
management of Castle Green to move to the Jo Richardson Community School and
it is now appropriate to confirm to Cabinet that this will be established with effect
from 1 April 2015. A requirement will be the School signs a Memorandum of
Understanding setting out the terms of the change.
10
Sydney Russell, including location of Adult College and Music Service in
Dagenham
10.1
Since Cabinet took the decision to utilise Fanshawe Crescent site as a primary
school (Minute 51, 13 November 2012) there has been a great deal of planning and
development work taking place. The Adult College has moved its main operational
base to Ripple Road in Barking, but has retained a provision in Dagenham, which it
was intended would be on the Fanshawe site. However, having carried out further
feasibility work on the site to analyse space available it is clear that the site cannot
support a 3fe primary school (630 pupils plus, 39 place school nursery), a private
nursery, the Adult College, even in a reduced presence, the Music Service and
provide as required accommodation for the RM Team based in the Borough which
have already been displaced from Eastbrook School.
10.2
With Cabinet’s agreement it is planned to find a new home for the private nursery
subject to a business case, and that subject to agreement about use of space with
the school in a joint arrangement, the Music Service will remain on site. However,
the Adult College will need to relocate as will the facilities used by RM. Following
some initial discussion both parties have agreed to share a new base in Parsloes
Avenue on the Sydney Russell site on land reserved specifically for these activities
during the academy transfer discussions. This will give the Adult College a more
prominent position in the local community with the opportunity to attract more
learners because of its proposed position. There has been an initial informal
conversation with some representatives of the Adult College Governing Body
present where there were favourable comments. Such proposal would be subject
to Cabinet’s views on this report.
10.3
In terms of funding there is sufficient budget in the project fund which is being
sponsored through the Targeted Basic Need Programme with a grant coming
directly from the EFA/DfE. Further, that in terms of procurement for this phase of
work the preferred route will be through the Crown Commercial Service framework
for specialist modular buildings.
11.
Support for Specific Projects
11.1
It is worth at this stage reporting to Cabinet on issues which have become clear and
have impacted on projects. As a general principle projects have varied in terms of
cost because of a range of issues which include:
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11.2
Some of these issues are easier to manage than others and a range of strategies
have been employed to minimise delays; in particular the following:
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11.3
Particular issues at individual schools which were not identified at the
commencement of the scheme and which required a specific solution to be
designed and have incurred additional costs, in particular it is worth noting
that the programme of increasing school place capacity has been a process
spreading over the last 7 years and the projects which are currently being
undertaken are more complex and as a consequence have proved to be
more costly;
The opportunity of identifying projects which can be secured on existing site
has been more difficult, again there are additional cost for securing land,
examples of this are the Eldonwald Site for Robert Clack expansion, and the
former depot site in The Shaftesburys for Gascoigne Primary expansion;
That during the process of building work being undertaken additional
consequential requirements are identified;
That since projects were identified for inclusion in the programme the
building market conditions have changed, and this is the case for some
projects where the budget was set a few years ago, the construction industry
is recovering much quicker than other parts of the economy, with higher
process for schemes now being a feature..
Commission projects as early as possible;
Hold early discussions with schools and Governing Bodies to get agreement;
Prepare a written brief to inform the technical team about requirements
Work closely with technical advisers to ensure that we get the scheme we
want;
Utilise a number of agreed procurement routes which best suit the solution
the Council requires;
Engage with contractors at an early stage to help with the design process
and remove unnecessary cost [two stage tender process].
We have a programme which is funded to 2017. The above strategies have been
fundamental to keep our approved place planning programme on track. As
indicated above future projects will be more complex and costly to deliver for a
variety of reasons not least that land costs will need to be considered for future
provision.
11.4
The following scheme changes are necessary to vary budget provision following
decisions at earlier Cabinet meetings including Cabinet 12 November 2012, 25
June 2013, 18 December 2013 and 30 June 2014.
Savings
£ (+)
JRCS now funded by Targeted Basic Need Grant
Marsh Green saving
John Perry extra cost
Fanshawe – Sydney Russell now funded from
Targeted Basic Need Grant
Gascoigne Shaftesburys [Abbey Depot Site]
Feasibility, Design and Site Set Up
Contingency unexpected numbers
All Saints now funded by Targeted Basic Need
Marks Gate Junior – extra cost
Contingency
Robert Clack – not now Targeted Basic Need,
Plus additional costs
Village Infants – new project additional pupils
Richard Alibon – additional unaccounted costs
Eastbury Community School Primary Facility Access
Pupil Intervention Project
Additional SEN Base Provision
Totals
Additional
£ (-)
3,000,000
350,000
100,000
7,000,000
2,300,000
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,744,016
225,000
1,729,000
12,188,000
1,500,000
230,000
137,549
500,000
500,000
£21,123,016 £15,380,549
11.5
This means that there is a net position of £5,742,246 in the positive. This sum is to
be retained for future allocation along with the new funding set out in Section 4 of
the report. As the notification about funding has been very recent a further report
once the issues have been considered will come back to Cabinet.
12.
Options Appraisal
12.1
Current strategy is formulated against a backdrop on the demand side of continuing
increase in demand for school places for the foreseeable future; short run surges of
demand for school places e.g. over the summer period and on the supply side:
limited funding on short time horizons; shortage of sites in areas of high demand;
and timescales for new providers e.g. timescales for Free Schools to be established
may be two years.
12.2
The agreed investment strategy (see Future Planning Programme to meet Basic
Need [including SEN places] 2013 to 2020 which is attached to this report) is first,
to expand provision on existing school sites as far as practicable to meet local
demand on a forward looking basis (i.e. to seek value for money solutions which
have longevity); then subsequently to seek and build on sites in areas of demand in
Council or other public ownership that are suitable for development as a school and
which also offer value for money and longevity; to support those external providers
that have access to further capital funding and are capable and willing to provide
high quality inclusive education places that comply with the Council’s Admissions
Policies.
12.3
The variables that influence the delivery of this strategy are: demand fluctuations;
the willingness of governing bodies to accede to expansion plans; funding
limitations; cost variances – specific to sites; timescales to achieve cost efficient/
competitive prices in short timescales.
12.4
The proposed delivery of the strategy is set out in the report appended (Strategy for
Ensuring School Places and School Modernisation). As part of the strategy the
document encompasses a further document entitled Future Planning Programme to
meet Basic Need [including SEN places] 2013 to 2020. This document sets out
proposed projects. Specific projects may be subject to change for the reasons set
above, and other projects substituted. The overall strategy is robust and remains
the same: individual project specifics may change but will remain in the overall
strategic framework.
12.5
Options exist for any specific scheme and are explored to ensure that the overall
strategic outcomes sought are achieved. Other overall strategies e.g. to rely on
outside providers to meet the prospective short fall of school places would not be
effective on their own: timescales and speed of reaction are too short.
13.
Consultation
13.1
These proposals are not Ward specific. There has been consultation with a range of
officers throughout the Council in order that appropriate matters are considered
including financial, legal, risk management and others mentioned in section 14 of
this report.
14.
Financial Implications
Implications completed by: Patricia Harvey, Interim Group Manager, Children’s
Finance
14.1
This report informs Members of the Council’s Strategy of ensuring sufficient school
places. The report also seeks approval for the projects listed in section 11.5. The
indicative budget allocations are from the total basic need funding as detailed in
section 4 of the report.
14.2
The projects identified in section 11.5 have yet to go through an in depth capital
appraisal process. The appraisal process will be undertaken on the individual
projects above, reviewing the full financial implications including any revenue
implications that may arise. The projects will only commence once the full appraisal
process has been carried out.
14.3
Any major risks/financial impact identified through the appraisal process will be
notified to Members through subsequent Cabinet reports.
14.4
There are ongoing discussions with procurement on the schemes to ensure value
for money and that procurement is appropriate, and this is in line with the legal
implications set out below.
15.
Legal Implications
Implications completed by: Lucinda Bell, Education Lawyer
15.1
The Council has a duty under s14 of the Education Act 1996 to ensure the provision
of “sufficient schools” for the provision of primary and secondary education in their
area. Para 6 of this section requires the Council to have regard to the need to
secure that special education provision is made for pupils who have special
educational needs.
15.2
Legal advice must be obtained in relation to the planned procurement.
16.
Other Implications
16.1
Risk Management
16.1.1 Risk that funding levels will not be sufficient to meet demand to create new
education places needed.
This risk is high impact (4) and medium (3) probability = 12 red. This risk is being
managed by purchasing the most affordable accommodation which is system build
where possible. Post control the risk is high impact (4) and low (2) probability = 8
amber.
16.1.2 Risk that funding levels will not be sufficient to create suitable new school places.
This risk is high impact (4) and high (4) probability = 16 red. This risk is being
managed by purchasing the most affordable accommodation which is system build,
and blending it with site specific proposals. Post control the risk is high impact (4)
and low (2) probability = 8 amber.
16.1.3 Primary schools: risk that site availability would prevent delivery of school places in
the areas where demand is highest.
This risk is high impact (4) and medium (3) probability = 12 red. This risk is being
mitigated, as far as practicable, by expanding all available sites in high demand
areas, and reviewing other buildings for potential school use. Post control the risk is
still high impact (4) and medium (3) probability = 12 red.
16.1.4 Risk that the cost of the rate of deterioration of the school estate will outrun the
funding available to maintain it.
This risk is high impact (4) and high (4) probability = 16 red. This risk is being
mitigated as far as practicable by lobbying DfE for improvements in funding. Post
control the risk is high impact (4) and medium (3) probability = 12 red.
16.1.5 The provision of school places is a matter which is directly identified in the
Corporate Risk Register and listed at Corporate Risks 31 – Provision of School
Places.
16.1.6 Risk that final costs will be higher than estimate costs.
This risk is high impact (4) and high (4) probability = 16 red. This risk is managed
through monthly CPMO meetings and initial planning figures that architects and
schools are asked to work within being set below the highest estimate to allow for
unforeseen challenges.
16.2
Contractual Issues - It is anticipated that projects will be procured through options
related either to the Local Education Partnership or through the Council’s
Framework of Contractors. It will also be necessary to explore other specialist
providers where there is value for money and a clear support from the Government
or its agents to secure projects in this way for schemes which they are funding
directly.
Legal, procurement and other professional advice will be sought regarding the
appropriate procurement routes and contractual agreements to procure and secure
the individual projects which fall within the second phase, consisting of the
secondary and primary school schemes.
Projects will be subject to the Capital Appraisal Process and the agreement of the
Procurement Board to progress schemes. However the Cabinet is asked to
approve procurement principles as set out to avoid the need to report back to
Cabinet as these procurements are either beyond our control or need to happen
quickly within pressing timescales because pupils need to be accommodated.
16.3
Staffing Issues - There are no specific staffing issues although the growing
demand for school places will create additional opportunities in schools for both
teaching and non-teaching staff. There has been a consultation process regarding
the changes at Castle Green.
16.4
Corporate Policy and Customer Impact - The decision will assist the Council in
fulfilling its statutory obligations to provide a school place for every child and support
the intention of the Council’s Vision and Priorities, including encouraging civic pride,
enabling social responsibility and growing the Borough. It is part of the mitigation of
Corporate Risk 31 – Inability to Provide School Places.
The short term impact of the recommendations for the coming year would be
positive for customers on all counts of: race, equality, gender, disability, sexuality,
faith, age and community cohesion.
The longer term outlook is unlikely to be positive on the proposed funding levels as
it will be difficult to address need on current budget levels.
16.5
Safeguarding Children - Adoption of the recommendations in the short term would
contribute to the Council’s objectives to improve the wellbeing of children in the
borough, reduce inequalities and ensure children’s facilities are provided in an
integrated manner, having regard to guidance issued under the Children Act 2006
in relation to the provision of services to children, parents, prospective parents and
young people.
16.6
Health Issues - The health and well being board and JSNA highlight the
importance of investing in early intervention and education to support children’s and
young people’s long term well being. The evidence and analysis set out in Fair
Society, Healthy Lives (Marmot Review) has been developed and strengthened by
the report of the Independent Review on Poverty and Life Chances. The reports
draw attention to the impact of family background, parental education, good
parenting and school based education, as what matters most in preventing poor
children becoming poor adults.
16.7
Crime and Disorder Issues - Appropriate consideration of the development of
individual projects will take into account the need to design out potential crime
problems and to protect users of the building facilities.
16.8
Property / Asset Issues - This proposed decision would facilitate the improvement
and renewal of Council assets. The specific proposal for JRCS/Castle Green will
provide improved management opportunities at the centre to enhance the use of
accommodation and other resources for pupils and the wider community.
Public Background Papers Used in the Preparation of the Report:

Capital Allocations: Basic need in financial years 2015-16, 2016-17 and 201718, published February 2015

Capital Allocations: Maintenance and DFC in financial year 2015-16 published
February 2015
List of appendices

Strategy for Ensuring Sufficient School Places and School Modernisation which
includes Future Planning Programme to meet Basic Need (including SEN places)
2014 to 2020.